Brazilian Experience, or simply “BE”, is an educational and tourism organization specialized in creating once-in-a-lifetime experiences for foreigners visiting Brazil, providing a safe environment with full support to meet your needs.

We believe that living abroad is a unique opportunity to access and advance cultural understanding, inspiring mutual respect and personal growth.

Meet the team

Rafaela Rolim • Director

I´ve been working in the field of cultural exchange since 2006 and started Brazilian Experience in 2009 due to my passion for Brazil and for travelling the world and meeting new cultures.

I´m responsible for the operational department, researching for new partnerships and innovative programs.

It all started when I was an international student myself in the US during High School. Later during university I went for an internship in France and also studied Spanish in Barcelona, Spain. Those experiences had shaped my life.

In the past years I´ve visited over 25 different countries in 4 different continents for work and leisure. I collect magnets of all the cities I visit. My fridge is full of memories and helps me remind of my goals.

Brazil is really diverse and has a lot to offer for visitors. But I believe the highlight is still our people, how welcoming and hospitable we are.

I truly believe that living abroad is a unique opportunity of cultural understanding, inspiring mutual respect, and personal growth. And that´s what enchants me on my work. I´m always searching for new ways of making our programs more impactful to build global citizens.

Cecília Nunes • Communication

Hi! I’m Cecília and I am a Public Relations student. So, I’m responsible for BE’s communication, since answering emails with dedication and care to thinking all details of the social medias.

What brought me to BE was love: love for humanity, for travelling, for Brazil, for everything that is different.  Every person we meet leaves a lasting mark.

When I was 6, I went to Sweden in a wonderful adventure with my parents, for a year. Nobody could stop me when I came back. Since them, I have been receiving foreigners, sightseeing with them and showing them how much my country is beautiful. My last adventure around the world was to Japan and I don’t have words to describe! I want everyone that comes to Brazil to feel that heat in the chest that I feel when I remember my experiences abroad.

One tip? Get involved with the locals, go to places with them, have fun with them as much as you can. Only this way is possible to fall in love with somewhere. My dream? To visit Patagonia, in Argentina, and send a postcard from the End of the World Train Station. While I wait this day to arrive, I have fun cooking and taking pictures...

Claudia Ecco • Adminin and Finances

Hi guys,

My name is Claudia Ecco and I’m responsible for the Admin and Finances Departments at Be.

I’m Graduated in Translator and Tourism and I have a MBA in Business Management.

I came to BE because I really embrace the idea to co-create a better world by living and experiencing the differences. I’m passionate about to get to know different cultures and specially their gastronomy. I love to try different dishes that brings the culture´s history with them.

I have travel to San Francisco, New York, Miami, Orlando, Buenos Aires, Santiago and to different states and cities in Brazil and one of my favourite places in Brazil is Foz do Iguazu, where one can appreciate the Cataratas, its stunning. I think everyone should at least see this in Brazil.

I dream of showing the world to my 5 year-old daughter and I hope she gets passionate about it just as I am. I still hope to visit other countries, cities and appreciate their culture.

Luisa Cat • Relationship Manager

My name is Luisa Cat, I graduated in International Relations and I work in the commercial area of BE!

I am the living proof of how much an exchange program can change someone’s life and outlooks. Each of my experiences abroad made me grow and open myself to the world in a way that perhaps if I stayed home I would never have achieved. Having the chance to live this is a privilege that should be very well enjoyed! And we are here to help with this process!

I have lived twice in the United States, once in Spain and had long periods in France and Italy. I was fortunate to have known over 30 countries. But every day away from Brazil made me fall in love, understand better and respect my country even more. This shift of perspective makes you see things differently, have a warmer look at your home and cherish what we have in common and different with the world.

I want with my work here to be able to give back a little of everything the world has taught me.

Thamy Soavinsky • Local Coordinator, Curitiba

Hello, my name is Thamy, I graduated in International Relations, lived two years abroad (in Australia) and after that I started my second graduation in Psychology. At BE I´m responsible for doing the match between students, organizations and homestays. I also do the company culture alignment and job profile with candidate profile and interests; the recruitment and selection of host families, interview and inspection and selection of the BE team.
I joined BE for a passion for different cultures, contact with people with different lifestyles, and because I’m aware of how an exchange can be a turning point in someone’s life.
I’ve had the opportunity to travel 4 of the 5 continents and I’m so grateful for that, I really like the unexpected of travel, the discovery of the new, traveling is never as we imagine it, fortunately in my point of view this is great. In Brazil I suggest that exchange students try to observe the country as it is in essence, just different, no better or worse than the origin. My dream is to see the Northern Lights.

Sylvia Guazzelli • Local Coordinator, Florianópolis

I have started working with BE recently and my responsibility is to take care of the exchange program students’ needs. I’m originally from São Paulo and I’m still exploring Florianópolis. I have been a host family before and I loved the experience. I’m passionate about knowing different cultures.
I have lived in Switzerland, Germany and the United States and I believe this experience has increased my curiosity and pleasure to know different cultures. There is always a new perspective and something new to be learned and enjoyed.

Meeting people and sharing ideas and experiences are things I really enjoy doing.
As a hobby I like cooking, hiking and walking with my dogs.

Herika Fondazzi • Local Coordinator, Londrina

I am an English teacher and at BE I´m responsible for welcoming and supporting students in the north of Parana State. I came to BE because I was an exchange student once and also received two of them in my house already. I´m passionate about cultural exchange and knowing new people. Favorite moments at work have been all the experiences we can share with the students in Brazil and the things we can learn from them.

I have traveled a lot through the south and really loved Foz do Iguazu, at the bordline of Brazil/Argentina and Paraguay and just some hours from where I live. It has amazing natural beauties and I think everyone should at least see this in Brazil.

I´m willing to help you and guide you during your staying here. Count on me!

Best travel tip: accept the challenges and meet as many people as you can! In Paraná is a bit cold during June an July, but we also have warm days. so bring different clothes.